Set up your team in a small sided game on a pitch running from the edge of the penalty area to the half-way line.
Play normal rules except for the fact that during the drill, players are not allowed to talk during the game. Players cannot call for the ball, tell a player where to go or where they want the ball passed to. This really emphasises the importance of communication. If a player does speak, then a free-kick is given to the opposite team.
This drill teaches players how to keep the ball regardless of where it is on the pitch. While playing in their own half, defenders are taught how to keep the ball at the back and not panic, while attackers learn how to press high up the field.
While keeping the ball in the opposite half, players can learn how to break down stubborn defences.
The best hockey players in the world do not just react faster; they scan more frequently and process information before the ball arrives. This article explores the science behind scanning, how to coach spatial awareness as a habit, and practical drills that force players to lift their heads and read the game.
In hockey, you can only score from inside the circle. Getting the ball into the D with purpose and creating genuine shooting chances is the hardest part of attack. This article examines the different types of circle entry, why entry angle determines shot quality, and how to train your team to penetrate the most congested area on the pitch.
The best teams don't just press - they press at the right moment. Here's how to train your players to read the cues.
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